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Recent Deadly Turbulence on Singapore Airlines Traced to Sudden Altitude Changes
The recent incident aboard a Singapore Airlines flight, involving severe air turbulence that resulted in a fatality and numerous injuries, was caused by an abrupt shift in altitude and speed, according to Singapore’s Department of Transport.
Circumstances Surrounding the Incident
The flight in question, SQ321, experienced turbulence approximately ten hours into its 13-hour journey from London to Singapore. This sudden disturbance happened just after the 211 passengers on board had their breakfast, the authorities stated.
Turbulence over Southern Myanmar
The turbulence occurred as the aircraft was hovering over southern Myanmar, soaring at an altitude of 37,000 feet, according to preliminary reports released on Wednesday by Singapore’s Transport Ministry.
Unexpected Changes in Flight Path
The plane ascended abruptly by 362 feet, which is believed to have been caused by an updraft, causing its autopilot system to steer it in a downward direction. Around the same time, the aircraft also experienced an unexpected increase in speed, leading to the pilots manually activating the brakes, the report elaborated.
Effect on Passengers and Crew
Based on the report, these sudden shifts likely led to the injuries suffered by the passengers and crew. The turbulence caused the plane to lose approximately 178 feet of altitude within less than five seconds. Unbuckled passengers were lifted from their seats before falling back down due to the dramatic change in altitude.
Diversion and Casualties
As a result of the incident, the plane had to be rerouted to Thailand for a safe landing. Unfortunately, the casualty reported was a 73-year-old British gentleman. The accident also resulted in injuries to 71 individuals, official reports confirmed.
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